Quotes from Karen Carney

I don't know why I bring that calmness, and I'm not really aware of it, to be honest. I just come on, smile, and enjoy the moment. If that brings calmness, then great.

I've given my heart and soul to club and country; there's nothing more I can physically or mentally give. I have no regrets.

My first major championships was in 2005, which makes me feel ancient. I'm really proud of playing in all the tournaments, yet I can have all the caps in the world, but there's no point if you don't have a gold medal.

I went to university - I never would have gone to university through football. I've got a degree. I've got a master's. I've met some amazing people, I've lived my dream. I've picked up so many skill sets that I never would have.

I do my research the same as everyone else - I watch games relentlessly and try to be the best that I can be. It should be irrelevant whether I'm male or female, so as long as I work hard and try my best at it, then more we keep speaking about it, then we can eradicate it from the game.

I've travelled the world with football, but probably in a privileged way. We've travelled, and travelling means going from an airport to the pitch to the hotel. I haven't really seen or explored things.

I don't want the 'supersub' label or anything like that. I just want to come on and express myself and play the best I can.

More teams are trying to go full-time, so it gives everyone the best chance possible to be the best footballer they can be, which makes it more appealing to fans, because we're better as we focus solely on the game as our job.

When I was growing up, some of the lads weren't very nice about me playing.

Moving forward, I don't really know what I want to do. There is an opportunity within the media for me, but I would like to give back to football in some way if I'm able to help.

In the nicest possible way, my first job was at Sainsbury's - my mum worked there, and I was a bag packer.

I never looked at the bigger picture. I was just so passionate about football; I just wanted an opportunity to play with no barriers and no stigma.

I've been vegan for over a year now, about 15 months. I changed to the vegan diet, and I feel fabulous; it's great. I wish I'd done it earlier.

It's OK when you are struggling to reach out for help.